Running back looks to fill in nicely

by Paul Shugar
Staff Writer

When Z-back Raynald Ray graduates this year, a major hole will be left in the backfield for Ohio football — a hole that new coach Brian Knorr has to address if Ohio wants to continue its powerful running attack that was ranked second in the country this season.

Knorr's solution is running back Jamel Patterson, who will be looked at to add depth to the backfield along with fellow running back Chad Brinker.

"In the option, you have to have more than one threat," Knorr said. "With Jamel back there along with (quarterback) Dontrell (Jackson), defenses will have to watch both."

Knorr said he expects Patterson to be one of the most exciting athletes on the team and to become a leader for Ohio.

Patterson is not just a man who has been warming the bench while at Ohio. He has more than 1,300 yards in his career, has run for 660 yards and scored seven touch downs last season to be the team's third best rusher.

Jackson said Patterson has the capability to get about 15 touchdowns for the Bobcats next fall.

"I think he is one of the best athletes on the team and has been a big part of the team while I have been here," he said. "I believe he is a bona fide NFL prospect."

Patterson said he is not worried about individual statistics or glory. He has only one thing on his mind when it comes to next season - going undefeated.

Knorr said Patterson's intelligence and smarts on the field will help the team run the option offense that relies on timing.

"He has been a major standout since his high school days, and he is very comfy." he said. "He really understands our offense, so everyone is looking to him."

Besides being known for using his blockers and moving down the field intelligently, Patterson is known for breaking a few ankles as well.

"He hits the hole wall and he just turns into silky smooth Jamel that can make three or four guys miss at a time," Jackson said.

Patterson, who is built like a wide receiver at 6 foot 1 inch and just more than 200 pounds, said his size forced him to develop his running technique.

"I think my moves really came when I was smaller and younger, and I was trying to stay away from the big guys out of fear," he said.

Despite being small for a running back, Patterson has big hands that are probably the reason for his most surprising statistic: He has not fumbled the ball in his entire career at Ohio.

Patterson said he thought the only area of his play where his size is a burden is when he has to meet linebackers in the open field while blocking for Brinker or Jackson. Blocking by the running backs is a key to success in an option offense.

"We know we are blocking well when our guy gets a good play and gets down the field," he said. "The better we block for one another the better we know someone will block for us."

Knorr said one of Patterson's strong points is his tenacious blocking, but he would like to see some improvement in other parts of Patterson's game.

"He can be a big-play guy since he has 4.5 to 4.55 (second) 40 (-yard) speed and can make people miss," he said. "He just needs to get stronger and work on his acceleration and speed because he is going to take a beating next year,"

Patterson said his main goal is to stay healthy next season. The only injury of his career was in 1999 when he suffered from turf toe.

The running back has set high goals for the team as well. He said he wants his teammates to step up.

"Everyone is excited and itching for next season," Patterson said. "You can tell in practice when no one is complaining and everyone is focused on winning."